By Lindy Letterall
Relationship problems where to get help
If you and your partner are going through a rough patch at the moment, chances are you'll be able to sort it out for yourselves if you're both patient and committed to getting through it. However, sometimes couples need some extra help, or maybe just a bit of expert information or advice, and in such circumstances there are plenty of sources of support available. Don't be daunted by seeking help externally there's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. Specialist relationship counsellors, therapists and support organisations are used to helping couples and individuals resolve even the most intimate of problems. And above all, if you're serious about saving your relationship, then it's worth doing whatever's necessary to get it back on track.
Here's a list of some organisations whose help or advice you may find beneficial. Some are counselling or therapy organisations for couples, some are support organisations that deal with specific issues, and some are organisations that can provide you with information and advice to help you make decisions in your relationship.
Relate
www.relate.org.uk
Relate is the UK's largest relationship support organisation. Its services include relationship and sex counselling, advice and information for couples and families. Consultations can be arranged face-to-face, by phone or online.
NHS
Scotland www.show.scot.nhs.uk
Wales www.wales.nhs.uk
Northern Ireland www.n-i.nhs.uk
England www.nhs.uk
Many people forget that the NHS has a range of services to support people going through personal and relationship problems. Go along to your family doctor to find out about counselling, therapy and other sources of help and support that can be provided on the NHS.
Institute of Family Therapy
www.instituteoffamilytherapy.org.uk
Offering a range of services across the country, such as workshops, mediation and therapy to help couples and families experiencing relationship difficulties resolve their problems.
Family Planning Association
www.fpa.org.uk
The Family Planning Association is a charity that aims to promote awareness of sexual health issues and help people to make informed decisions about contraception, sexual health and pregnancy.
Marie Stopes
www.mariestopes.org.uk
Marie Stopes is one of Britain's leading reproductive health charities. It has a network of centres across the UK and provides a wide range of services and advice on contraception, abortion, sexual health and sterilisation.
Sexual Dysfunction Association
www.sda.uk.net
Set up to help people suffering from impotence, the Sexual Dysfunction Association aims to provide the latest information on sexual problems as well as offer support to couples experiencing sexual problems and advice on how and where to get treatment.
Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
www.llgs.org.uk
There are numerous lesbian, gay and bisexual support organisations across the country. Here's a link to one of the biggest, the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, which provides confidential, positive, non-judgemental advice and information on various issues including where to go for more specialist help. It can also provide information on how to get in touch with other lesbian and gay switchboards across the UK.
Divorce Aid
www.divorceaid.co.uk
Divorce Aid helps thousands of people across the UK through the difficult and traumatic experiences of separation and divorce. Its comprehensive website is a useful source of information and advice on dealing with break-ups for couples, parents, children and teenagers.
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.org.uk
The Samaritans operates round-the-clock helplines that offer emotional support and a sympathetic ear to anyone experiencing stress, pressure, depression or despair. There's a nationwide telephone number as well as a network of local branches. Despite its name, The Samaritans is not a religious organisation. The support it provides is completely impartial and non-judgemental.
Marriage Care
With branches across England and Wales, Marriage Care is a charity providing free-of-charge counselling to help couples experiencing marital problems. Originally begun as a Catholic charity with faith-based values, Marriage Care still supports the Church's view of marriage as the foundation of a stable society.
Advicenow
www.advicenow.org.uk
Advicenow is a comprehensive and independent online source of information on various themes including relationships and family life, with a focus on rights and legal issues.
Women's Aid
www.womensaid.org.uk
Women's Aid is a charity that aims to put an end to violence against women and children. It has a comprehensive website with information about domestic violence and how to get help. As well as a confidential telephone advice line, it has a network of safe and secure refuges across England.
Aquila Care Trust
www.aquilatrust.org
The Aquila Care Trust helps individuals who have gone through the painful experience of divorce or relationship breakdown to rebuild their lives and move on. It offers a telephone and email advice line as well as numerous local divorce support groups. Its eight-week Breakthrough programme aims to provide recently divorced or separated individuals with the support and confidence they need to move forward.
About the Author: Lindy Letterall - Website: www.yourlovelife.co.uk
Lindy Letterall is anagony aunt. She's currently writing articles for Your Love Life.
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